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National Justice Summit 2024: FG, International IDEA, others call For Reforms in judicial appointment processes
National Justice Summit 2024: FG, International IDEA, others call For Reforms in judicial appointment processes
•Summit seeks reduction of CJN’s powers
By: Michael Mike
Federal Ministry of Justice, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), and other stakeholders in the nation’s judiciary have made far reaching recommendations that will address the issues of judicial appointment process, funding and eradicating delays in the administration of justice in Nigeria, at the just concluded two-day National Summit on Justice 2024.
The event was organised by the Federal Government in collaboration with the European Union funded RoLAC II Programme of the International IDEA.
In a communique issued at the end of the summit at the weekend, it was noted that the National Policy on Justice 2024 to 2028, will now serve as a roadmap, paving the way for a more efficient, equitable and responsive justice system for all Nigerians.
Chairman, Joint Planning Committee of the Justice Summit, Dr Babatunde Ajibade, SAN, who read the communique, said the summit had three technical sessions.
Ajibade stated that the general consensus reached at the summit was that the role of the National Judicial Council in discharging its responsibility for judicial appointments into the Superior Court of record required significant review.
The stakeholders expressed concern about the fact that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who is the chairman of the NJC is also the chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, the body that initially reviews proposals or lists of candidates by appointment into judicial office.
The summit pointed out the seeming inconsistency between the CJN playing both roles, as it would appear that he is recommending candidates to himself being chairman of both bodies, and being the person who appoints a significant number of the members of both bodies other than those who are statutory members.
There’s a general consensus by the summit on the need to reconstitute or propose reconstitution of both the NJC and the FJSC.
On the role of the State Judicial Service Commission in judicial appointmens, the summit concluded that there was a significant need to ensure that composition of the SJSC is more diverse, that it reflects the interests of the users of the justice sector.
Stakeholders noted the fact that the current NJC guidelines may have subverted the intent of the constitutional provision, empowering the SJSC to make judicial appointments, because the NJC guidelines, rather than authorising the SJSC to prepare a shortlist of potential candidates for judicial appointments, appear to address that responsibility solely in the Chairman (Chief Judges of States).
The summit therefore called for an amendment of the aspect of the NJC guidelines to make clear that the development or preparation of shortlist of candidates for judicial appointments is something that is to be done by the Commissions as a whole and not just by the Chief Judges.
On the general approach that ought to be taken to reforming the judicial appointments process, the summit stressed that focus should be on increased transparency in the appointment process, meritocracy and on meaningful performance evaluations of those who seek judicial office.
Also, it was recommended that Nigeria should consider the model that is currently being used in Kenya.
There was a consensus on the need to codify the judicial appointments process, such that the discretion that is currently witnessed in the appointments process is reduced to the barest minimum.
On funding, budgeting and administration for the judiciary, the summit resolved
that the current process for funding the courts was totally deficient as it was evident that the provisions of the Constitution as amended by the Fifth Amendment, authorising that funding for the State courts should be a joint effort carried out by the executive and the judiciary was not being implemented in any shape or form in the majority of the states.
Clear recommendations were made that this was something that needed to be pursued and dealt with decisively, as the summit stated that funding of the judiciary at the federal level is much better than what obtains in the States of the Federation.
More so, the summit observed the need to professionalise the administration of the courts, as well as to appoint persons with clear administrative experience to be selected through a transparent process to administer the courts, and to separate the administration of the courts from the administration of justice.
On eradicating delays in the administration of justice agenda for leveraging the rules of procedure and effective case management in Nigeria, the panel considered the importance of limiting the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, and ensuring that matters that would go to the Supreme Court would only be matters of significant national importance.
The summit held that before a matter goes to apex court, it would only be by the leave of the Supreme Court, and that the automatic right of appeal to the will be severely curtailed and will be limited only to matters relating to the office and the election into the office of the president of the federation, Vice President and, and Governors of the States.
National Justice Summit 2024: FG, International IDEA, others call For Reforms in judicial appointment processes
One killed, another injured in Kum village ambush in Riyom
By: Zagazola Makama
A man was killed and another critically injured on Tuesday night following an ambush by unknown gunmen in Kum village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims, identified as Joshua Ezekiel, 48, and Dung Jatau, 51, were reportedly riding on a motorcycle along the Riyom to Kum road at about 8:15 p.m. when they were attacked by armed men who opened fire on them.
Residents said the injured were rushed to the General Hospital in Riyom, where Ezekiel was pronounced dead on arrival. Jatau is currently receiving medical treatment and is said to be in stable condition.
Tension remains high in the area as locals express concern over the safety of rural commuters, especially during evening hours.
Community leaders in Riyom have called for calm and urged residents to remain vigilant. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the attackers.
Police said they have lunched investigation into the incident.
One killed, another injured in Kum village ambush in Riyom
Northeast Governors renew call for joint action on insurgency, poverty at 11th forum meeting
By: Zagazola Makama
As security concerns and economic hardship continue to weigh heavily on Nigeria’s Northeast region, governors of the six states converged on Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, on Thursday to chart a common path for peace, recovery, and prosperity.
The 11th meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, witnessed robust deliberations, passionate appeals, and renewed calls for unity, collaboration, and strategic action against the persistent threat of insurgency and deepening poverty in the region.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, led the charge in his opening address, painting a stark picture of the challenges facing the region and urging urgent collective action to change the narrative.
“It is with a deep sense of honour and responsibility that I welcome Your Excellencies to this 11th meeting of the vibrant North-East Governors’ Forum,” Zulum said.
He described the current economic situation in the region as dire, noting that food insecurity, rising transportation costs, poor healthcare, and the erosion of purchasing power had deepened the suffering of the people.
“We must take bold steps to address the poverty crisis, which is not just an economic issue but also a social and humanitarian emergency,” he said.
The Borno governor commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their ongoing sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, but called for a review of operational strategies in light of recent Boko Haram attacks in some areas.
“The re-emergence of insurgent attacks is alarming and could undermine the successes already recorded. I humbly suggest that the military revisit its strategy and adopt more offensive operations,” Zulum stated.
While reaffirming the importance of agriculture as a key to regional development, Zulum emphasized that farming alone could not lift the region out of poverty. He advocated for the establishment of small and medium-scale industries, backed by improved infrastructure, incentives for private investment, and promotion of innovation.
He called on his fellow governors to invest in roads, electricity, clean water, and youth empowerment initiatives to reverse the tide of unemployment and restiveness.
“We must diversify our economy, reduce poverty, and equip our young people with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive,” he said.
Zulum also warned of impending environmental threats, urging states to act on flood warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).
“We must take the warnings seriously. The consequences of inaction are too devastating,” he said.
Zulum reminded his colleagues that regional success depends on unity of purpose.
“As governors, we have a sacred duty to our people. We must support each other and prioritize their needs. Our individual successes are tied to our collective progress,” he said.
He concluded by introducing the new Director-General of the Forum, Umar Musa Gulani, a seasoned public administrator and former Director at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
In his welcome remarks, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State thanked his counterparts for honoring the invitation and expressed optimism that the forum would yield new strategies to combat insecurity and economic stagnation.
Buni described the Forum as a “critical platform” for collaboration and policy alignment, especially as the region grapples with renewed attacks from Boko Haram and its use of modern technology in assaults.
“This meeting is timely. We must act fast to consolidate our gains in peacebuilding and economic recovery,” he said.
He called for resolutions from the meeting to be shared with federal security agencies to boost coordination and rapid response mechanisms.
Governor Buni also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and leadership, and extended gratitude to the armed forces, Civilian Joint Task Force, and volunteers for their sacrifices.
On economic revitalization, he echoed Zulum’s call for investment in mechanized agriculture, employment generation, and sustainable livelihood programmes.
“We must make agriculture attractive, affordable, and profitable to harness our natural and human resources,” he said.
The governors pledged to continue working with international and local development partners to rebuild communities, resettle displaced persons, and expand regional infrastructure.
The meeting is expected to produce resolutions aimed at strengthening joint security operations, coordinating humanitarian interventions, and promoting regional trade and investment.
As the region continues its long road to recovery, the voices from Damaturu reaffirmed one thing: that the path to peace and prosperity lies in unity, shared vision, and bold action.
Northeast Governors renew call for joint action on insurgency, poverty at 11th forum meeting
Police successfully rescue kidnapped ward head in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
The Benue State Police Command has successfully rescued Dickson Idu, the Ward Head of Ehatokpe Ohimini, who was abducted on April 30, 2025.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the victim was kidnapped from his residence in Ohimini Local Government Area (LGA).
Upon receiving the information, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State, directed the Acting Area Commander Otukpo, the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and a team of officers to immediately proceed to the area and ensure the safe rescue of the victim.
At approximately 8:45 a.m., a combined team of armed conventional policemen, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and personnel from the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, supported by Ohimini youths, launched an operation in the Ojanu/Ijami Village forest. The team conducted an intense combing operation, utilizing smoke canisters to pressure the kidnappers.
The strategy paid off, and at about 3:25 p.m., the kidnappers, feeling the heat of the search, released their captive. Dickson Idu was successfully rescued and has been debriefed and reunited with his family.
The sources said while no arrests have been made so far, the police have assured that investigations are underway, with efforts to apprehend the suspects continuing.
Police successfully rescue kidnapped ward head in Benue
One killed, another injured in Kum village ambush in Riyom
Northeast Governors renew call for joint action on insurgency, poverty at 11th forum meeting
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